The American aerospace and defense industries continue to grow, serving as a hub of innovation within the U.S. manufacturing ecosystem. According to the Aerospace Industries Association these two sectors generated almost $1 trillion in economic activity in 2024. Additionally, these fields employ a combined 2.2 million workers in well-paying positions that attract top talent.
These industries are a prime example of the country's industrial capabilities, which has the potential to outbuild any other country in the world. Critics argue that the country's military budget is overinflated, but much of the spending enables the U.S. to compete with other global powers. For 2026, Congress recently approved $38 billion for aircraft related costs, including funding a sixth-generation fighter for the Air Force along with other Navy programs.
This spending on the military-industrial complex is necessary for America to maintain its strategic edge. But it's not just about the money — our defense sector is propped up by large American commercial companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon. These corporations in turn are kept running through the numerous small-and-medium-sized manufacturers that supply parts, materials, and labor to the defense and aerospace industries.
To continue to lead the world in manufacturing and innovation in aerospace and defense, increased workforce training and spending is necessary. Not just to have the best products, but also the best people behind them: designing, building, and manning the next generation of American defense.